- 1.) Should my bridesmaids be involved in the dress selection process?
- While it seems like a wonderful idea to involve your attendants in the initial selection, it can make for a chaotic and counter productive outing. I recommend that a bride come to the first appointment by herself, which allows her to make choices that best reflect the wedding and her personal style. Bringing one close family member or friend who can offer an objective opinion and moral support can be of help if the bride isn't quite sure what she wants. Deciding the color and dress length are crucial decisions which the bride should make without the input of her bridesmaids. Allowing them to choose a style that best suits their body type is a nice way to keep them involved. Once the basics are set in order the bridesmaids can venture to the showroom alone or with the bride in tow.
- 2.) How do I go about keeping my bridesmaids on schedule and organized?
- The first step to keeping bridesmaids on track is to put the details in writing, that way it's clear exactly what they are to purchase and what is expected of them. Giving your attendants the length, style, and color of the dress is crucial, however the order date is the most important piece of information that you need to provide them with. Allowing a two week cushion that only you know about will give you some peace of mind and ensure that everything gets done if a bridesmaid runs behind schedule. Fabric swatches and photos are also a great way for your girls to obtain the necessities like shoes and accessories before they have the dress in hand. The best form of keeping in touch may vary within the group. Geographic location plays a big part in determining which way works the best. Take into account how you normally correspond with each girl. Although 'in person' is ideal, phone and email may be more realistic options.
- 3.) Can I outfit all my bridesmaids in different style dresses?
- Thankfully the days of cookie cutter bridesmaids have passed! There is no need for all the attendants to dress exactly alike, however the color palette is best selected by the bride. Indecision and delays are two possible outcomes from allowing your girls to choose their own colors; it may also disturb the flow of your design. Giving your attendants the freedom to choose the style of their dress will allow them to feel comfortable and happy on your special day which will most certainly be reflected in your wedding photographs.
- 4.) Should all the dresses in my bridal party reflect the same style as my gown?
- While it's not vital for your attendants to be dressed similar to you, following the theme of the wedding is fundamental. Taking into account your personal taste and the level of formality of the event is important. If you choose to wear a formal ball gown, having your girls wear something just as formal is necessary. More brides are heading in less formal directions these days, which lends itself to cotton or gingham dresses perhaps. It's all about consistency, so that everything looks like it belongs together.
- 5.) Are there specific styles that accommodate pregnant bridesmaids best?
- Women are choosing to get married later in life these days, so having a pregnant attendant can be quite common. The most important point to remember is that when your friend is ordering her dress she must take into account how far along she will be at the time of the event. Three different options lend themselves to accommodating these circumstances. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend you take this course of action, simply ordering the same dress as everyone else, just in a larger size, can be one way to handle this dilemma; typically anyone over 5 months along should steer clear of this method! Another option is to order a maternity bridesmaids dress in the same color and fabric as the other dresses. This way works the best because the type of dress is specifically designed to flatter a pregnant physique. Finally having a dress custom made by a local seamstress in the brides chosen fabric can work well. Having the dress tailored to her exact measurements can make for the most flattering and comfortable selection. This last choice takes the guesswork out of trying to accommodate a changing shape.
- 6.) One of my attendants is pregnant, how should she go about ordering?
- First, the bridesmaid should determine what option works best for her based upon how far along she will be at the time of the event (as described above). If she opts for our maternity dress or simply orders the same dress as the other attendants in a larger size, she should submit her order form along with the other bridesmaids — just omitting her size and making a note on her order form that she will be submitting her size eight weeks before the wedding. Then, eight weeks before the wedding, the bridesmaid should contact us with her size for the wedding. Should a bridesmaid learn she is pregnant after she has placed her order, she should contact us as soon as possible to determine what option works best.
- 7.) I want to flatter all my bridesmaids' figures, how do I do that?
- Empire waist is surely your best bet. This style allows for more space in the waist and hip areas of the body. Additionally, it falls from just under the bust line, and tends to elongate the figure.
- 8.) Is it okay to mix dresses and separates within my bridal party?
- Mixing up these styles can be a wonderful way to bring some flair and fun into the design of your bridal party. With this decision comes the possibility of having the bridal party in complimentary colors instead of a single color. The only aspect of the party's attire that should always be consistent is the length of the dresses or skirts (for example: all knee, tea, or full length).
- 9.) Not all my bridesmaids are the same size from top to bottom, how can I flatter them best?
- Separates are a great way of handling this situation; this style allows each girl to flatter her exact figure. They can easily choose a different bodice and skirt size, which will allow them to feel their most beautiful on your wedding day. Dresses tend to accommodate only one aspect of the body, leaving either the bodice too large or the skirt too small or vice versa.
- 10.) When it comes to a fall/winter wedding, what hues are in keeping with the season?
- Great question, but unfortunately one without a definitive answer. Most people tend to lean towards lighter colors for spring and summer, and darker hues in the colder months of the year. Orange, red, cranberry, bright pinks, gold, muted yellows, and muted greens are all wonderful ways to tie in the magnificent colors of autumn. Winter invokes a holiday feel, so reds become an obvious selection. However don't count out the idea of ivory, chocolate and black. If you really want things to shimmer and sparkle just like the icy season think silver, champagne, and pale blue.
- 11.) What color shoes are recommended for pastel and bold colored bridesmaid's dresses?
- Shoes can make or break the dress. The most important idea here is that the shoe continues the line and flow of the dress. Never put a black or brown shoe with a pastel gown; it will ruin the effect. Of course if the dress is black or brown, this choice is obvious. Your best option is to go with complimentary colors for your shoes; the tints and shades don't need to be exact, as long as they flatter one another. Neutral shoes such as camel or nude can be a great alternative as well; they are safe and easy to find plus they tend to visually elongate the legs. Silver, gold and copper are also considered neutrals and can add a great touch to an ensemble of almost any color, both pastel and bold.
- 12.) Is dyeing shoes passé?
- Yes, dyeing shoes is passé. Shoes should be complimentary to the dress not a perfect match. There are two options for shoes that would suit any color dress. One option is to pick a shoe color that is in the same tonal range as the dress. This way the shoes are an accent rather than a spectacle. The second option is a nude color shoe. A nude/neutral shoe will elongate the look of the leg and allow the dress to stand out on its own without leading your eye downward.
- 13.) Is dress length important, or can it vary from girl to girl?
- Dress length should be the same for all your attendants. This is the one aspect of the dress that you should remain firm on; there has to be something to unify the entire bridal party. Allowing each girl to pick her own style is terrific, but you should determine the length.
- 14.) I've decided on a black tie wedding, can my attendants wear knee length dresses?
- Absolutely! Knee length dresses can be quite formal and modern if your bridesmaids are polished and properly accessorized. The overall look and feel of the details are what set the tone of the wedding, knee length dresses won't affect this at all.
- 15.) When it comes to color, which comes first the flowers or the dress?
- This is really a personal decision However, choosing the color palette for the entire wedding should come first. This way everything will coordinate. Once you've made those choices, figure out which detail seems more important to you. If you have always envisioned a particular flower at your wedding, start there. On the other hand if you are more concerned with meeting the needs of your bridesmaids then go in that direction first. Just keep in mind that both items should compliment the palette of the entire wedding.
- 16.) Skin tones vary within my bridal party, what's the best way to compliment everyone?
- Contrast is always the key when it comes to this issue. Women with paler skin typically look their best in bolder and brighter colors. Pastels can wash out someone with fair skin, making these colors difficult to wear. Women with darker skin tones can wear just about any color from pastel to bold. Remember though that choosing a color similar to ones skin tone can wash anyone out.
- 17.) Should I be providing accessories such as purses, wraps and jewelry for my bridesmaids?
- Matching accessories such as purses and jewelry can make great gifts and are a great way to ensure a unifying look throughout the bridal party. Giving these items as gifts also shows your bridesmaids how thankful you are that they are sharing in your day.
- 18.) When it comes to necklines, which best suit a larger bust line?
- Necklines can be tricky; larger busted women look best and feel most comfortable in v-neck dresses. This style allows the bust to appear in proportion by cutting across the bust line rather than covering it. Boat necklines do not work well because they accentuate instead of minimize the bust by falling right at the collarbone.
- 19.) Can a strapless dress flatter a large busted woman?
- Strapless dresses flatter every figure type, no matter the bust size. What's important to remember is every woman's personal comfort zone when it comes to clothing. More conservative women might feel too exposed in a strapless dress, which is why allowing your girls to pick the style that best suits them is often the best route to take. The one important thing to consider when going strapless, regardless of cup size, is a good strapless foundation. A quality strapless bra is a must; it allows the dress to lay better on the body, and adds support which results in good posture throughout the event.
- 20.) Who is eligible for your Sample Dress Program?
- If you are a bride who is planning on ordering through our New York showroom, but do not live near any of our locations you are eligible for our sample dress program! Please note that we limit our sample dress program to that one style of dress you have loved on our website but are dying to see in person per bridal party.
- 21.) Where do I place my order?
- We require that all dresses within a bridal party be ordered from the same location. Whether the order is placed through one of our showrooms in New York or Boston or through one of our retailers, it enables us to better coordinate and monitor the orders. As a practical matter, ordering from one location allows the bride to obtain information about her entire bridal party through one simple phone call.
- 22.) When should I place my order?
- We recommend that orders be placed four months before your wedding and then we ship the dresses four weeks before the wedding. This allows us enough time for production and your attendants enough time for any necessary alterations. If for some reason, you are not able to order four months in advance please call us and we will try our best to work with you.
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